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ENG331Arts3 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Semantics

This course introduces the essentials of English semantics and complex analysis of communication issues. It explores theoretical perspectives and the application of semantics to everyday interactions and literary communication. The course also examines the connection between semantics and logic, and highlights semantic problems in Nigerian English. Students will learn to identify different types of meaning, explain theories of meaning, and apply semantic principles in various contexts.

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195h
Study Time
13
Weeks
15h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
semanticsmeaningcommunicationlogicNigerian English

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Definition and Scope of Semantics

2

Theories of Meaning

3

Sense Relations

4

Lexical Semantics

5

Sentential Meaning

6

Pragmatics and Speech Acts

7

Logic and Fallacies

8

Literary Communication

9

Everyday Communication

10

Nigerian English Semantics

Total Topics10 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Linguist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Editor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Communication Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Content Writer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Language Teacher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationMediaPublishingAdvertisingLaw

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Definition and Scope of Semantics

5h

Unit 1: Definition and Brief History of Semantics

5 study hours
  • Read the definition and history of semantics
  • Understand the contributions of scholars like Breal and Korzybski
  • Define semantics and trace its beginnings
Week
2

Module 1: Definition and Scope of Semantics

5h

Unit 2: The Scope of Semantics

5 study hours
  • Explain the relationship between semantics and other disciplines
  • Discuss the main areas of focus in semantics: naming, concept, sense, and reference
Week
3

Module 1: Definition and Scope of Semantics

5h

Unit 3: Approaches to the Study of Semantics

5 study hours
  • Compare traditional, behavioral, structural, and generative approaches
  • Analyze the merits and demerits of each approach
Week
4

Module 2: The Study of Meaning

5h

Unit 1: The Nature of Meaning

5 study hours
  • Explain different schools of thought: naturalists, conventionalists, and contextualists
  • Describe thematic and conceptual types of meaning
Week
5

Module 2: The Study of Meaning

5h

Unit 2: Theories of Meaning

5 study hours
  • State the functions of semantic theories
  • Explain the ideational, referential, and usage theories of meaning
Week
6

Module 3: Word and Sentence Meaning

5h

Unit 1: Semantics and the Study of the Word: Sense Relations

5 study hours
  • Explain sense/lexical relations: synonymy, antonymy, hyponymy, homonymy, polysemy
  • Apply sense relations in explaining the meaning of English words
Week
7

Module 3: Word and Sentence Meaning

5h

Unit 2: Semantics and the Nature of the Lexicon

5 study hours
  • Describe the nature of the lexicon and features of words
  • Explore the subcategorization of English words
Week
8

Module 3: Word and Sentence Meaning

5h

Unit 3: Aspects of Sentential Meaning

5 study hours
  • Identify issues related to sentence meaning: paraphrase, ambiguity, vagueness
  • Explain major concepts in the meaning of English sentences
Week
9

Module 3: Word and Sentence Meaning

5h

Unit 4: Pragmatics: Conversational Implicative and Speech Acts Theories

5 study hours
  • Define pragmatics and relate it to sentence meaning
  • Explain the three levels of speech acts: locutionary, illocutionary, and perlocutionary
Week
10

Module 4: Logic and Fallacies

5h

Unit 1: Basic Aspects of Linguistics Fallacies

5 study hours
  • State the forms of fallacy relevant to semantics
  • Describe fallacies of misinterpretation and misunderstanding of language
Week
11

Module 4: Logic and Fallacies

5h

Unit 2: Aspects of Material Fallacies Relevant to Semantics

5 study hours
  • Discuss fallacies of accident and question begging
  • Explain fallacies associated with the bandwagon and attacking the straw man
Week
12

Module 4: Logic and Fallacies

5h

Unit 3: Elements of Logic in Semantics

5 study hours
  • Establish the link between logic and semantics
  • Identify simple logical connectives and write simple propositions
Week
13

Module 5: Semantics and the Practice of Literary Communication

15h

Unit 1: The Application of Semantics to Literary Communication

5 study hours
  • Discuss the nature of literary language and communication
  • Highlight strategies deployed in literary communication and provide illustrations

Unit 2: The Application of Semantics to Everyday Communication

5 study hours
  • Identify how semantics enhances everyday communication
  • Explain how semantics enhances the use of lexis and registers

Unit 3: Semantic Problems in Nigerian English

5 study hours
  • Identify semantic characteristics of Nigerian English
  • Explain how features of Nigerian English can create semantic problems

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create flashcards for key semantic terms and definitions from Units 1-3.

2

Practice identifying different types of meaning (thematic, conceptual, associative) in sample sentences.

3

Develop diagrams illustrating sense relations (synonymy, antonymy, hyponymy) for common English words.

4

Analyze examples of fallacies from Units 7-9 in news articles and opinion pieces.

5

Outline the main arguments of each semantic theory (ideational, referential, usage) and their limitations.

6

Write sample speech acts (representative, directive, expressive, commissive) for various social contexts.

7

Review TMAs and focus on areas where marks were lost, especially application of concepts.

8

Form study groups to discuss complex topics like generative semantics and conversational implicature.

9

Time yourself answering past exam questions to improve speed and accuracy.

10

Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 word and sentence meaning concepts.

11

Prioritize studying Nigerian English semantic problems from Unit 15, focusing on examples and corrections.

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